Daily Readings - Tue May 17 2022
Acts
19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.20But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.23And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.24Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.25And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,26and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.27And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.28And they remained no little time with the disciples.
John
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.28You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.30I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,31but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and divine trust. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul’s missionary journey, where he faces intense persecution, including being stoned and left for dead. Yet, Paul resiliently continues his mission, establishing churches and strengthening the faith of the early Christians. This passage highlights the early church’s challenges and the unwavering commitment of its missionaries.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus comforting His disciples before His departure. He offers them a peace that transcends the world’s understanding, rooted in His obedience to the Father. Jesus’ words are a farewell discourse, preparing His followers for the challenges ahead, emphasizing trust and faith in divine providence.
Both readings intersect in their themes of trust and perseverance amidst adversity. Paul’s resilience mirrors Jesus’ trust in the Father, illustrating how faith navigates us through life’s trials. These stories remind us to face challenges with courage and trust in God’s plan, finding peace in His presence. Let us embrace this peace, enduring hardships with faith, just as Paul and Jesus did, trusting that God’s grace will guide us through.